Since the rise of technology and the growing need for good User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI), it becomes inherently clear that accessibility is a key area that needs to be considered in the development of every website or application. The UX/UI plays a major role in the experience of interacting between users and applications and is also one aspect of the success or failure of an application. The UI is the first interaction a user has with the website or application and the one that users see the most.

Technology is meant to be the bridge between humans whose aims are improving communication, reducing wastage, increasing productivity and efficiency. However is this the case for everyone? A big part of human interaction with technology is visual communication, auditory communication and tactile communication. Yet not everyone can interact with technology in this manner and are they being considered in the creation and development of this technology? 

The World Health Organization (WHO) conducted a world health survey, the results were that around 15.6% of the global population or about 785 million people had a disability and the number was increasing every year, 70% of these people are impaired with blindness. Hence it is an extremely important aspect for designers to explore. The development of technology for disabled users has not grown nearly as fast as technological development as a whole. Neither from a hardware or software aspect.

However there have been designs and tools which are developed to assist a number or disabilities such as: 

Text Enlargement Tool: 

Apple, Google and Microsoft each have text magnifying tools which could assist visually impaired users such as cursor enlargement, ‘triple tapping for text enlargement’ and other tools.

Voice Over Tool: 

Users now have the ability to interact with technology through voice commands and even typing and sending messages through voice overs. Technology such as Siri, Alexa, Voicenotes, Speech detect and many others have made it possible for users to do so. 

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Needs: 

Browsers such as Safari and Chrome now signal audio output through a small icon which could help anyone with deaf or hard of hearing disability interact with websites and applications. 

In addition to that technology support has now improved in which there are multiple ways to communicate and get support for every website or application. A 24/7 online support chat, a contact number or live chat which includes and takes into account more users. 

Yet is this the most efficient and effective method to experience for disabled users?

The use of a UI that supports each category of users will provide an experience that helps people with disabilities. Such as the presence of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) which explains the use of the web that supports Sufficient Contrast and the provision of Alternative Text and Gamification which is used as access to facilitate the understanding of the disabled regarding the information they receive. This overall would improve user experience and ensure that the goal of technology is achieved in the long run.

Savant is informed by market research and has a specialised Digital Design team with extensive experience and expertise in UX/UI talent solutions. If you are looking to build or expand your Design function, we can support you with the best talent in the industry with experts and market leading onboarding advice and consultation. To know more about how we can assist you, please reach out to us at technology@savantrecruitment.com